Suspects charged in homicide investigation of missing couple plead not guilty

Two of three suspects pleaded not guilty, in connection to the homicide investigation involving missing couple, Audrey Moran and Jonathan Darling Reynoso.

Abraham Fregoso, 32, is charged with one count of first-degree murder. Manuel Rios, 28, is charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder in connection to each of the victims.

The Riverside County District Attorney added a special circumstance for both Fregoso and Rios, alleging the killing of a witness. District Attorney Mike Hestrin identified Audrey Moran as the witness in the investigation. That could make Rios and Fregoso eligible for the death penalty.

Both suspects pleaded not guilty to both charges Thursday afternoon. They are being held with out bail.

Fregoso leaned forward to hear what the judge had to say.

Rios also appeared attentive, as he asked questions for clarification. At one point he asked whether he could choose his own legal counsel.

"Do you have money to hire another lawyer?" one attorney asked. "Not right now," Rios said.

Riverside County court documents indicate Rios has been jailed since February. A laundry list of charges are connected to his name, including possession of a firearm and drugs.

At the time Fregoso was taken into custody he had been serving time since June 2019 at the California Men's Colony, a state prison in San Luis Obispo.

A third suspect is also in custody. On Wednesday, Jesus Ruiz Jr. pleaded not guilty to 2 counts of accessory to murder. Court documents indicate Ruiz was aware of the alleged crimes by the other two suspect, and that he allegedly concealed them.

All three suspects are scheduled to return to court on July 13.